Classroom Tips
This collection of random ideas can be accessed by clicking on any of the links in the list to the right.
If you have your own idea you'd like to add to the collection, please send me an email.
Be sure to include your name, grade level, and school. Write "Classroom Tips" as the subject of your e-mail.
Thanks for helping to make this a better place for teachers to visit.
Kindergarten Progress
Teacher suggestion:
I started a new "record keeping" system with my Montessori kindergarten, thanks to Rick. It's a variation on something I saw on this website.
Each student has a number and corresponding pocket which allows them to keep track of their own work. Each color stick stands for a particular subject and indicates it's been completed and checked by me.
I can see at a glance what work is done and what is left to do.
Cami Brewer
Clothespins on Clipboard
Teacher suggestion:
Sinced I dislike having long lines of students waiting for me to edit their papers, I have them put their numbered clothespins on my clipboard so that I'll know who is ready to go.
I call the student's number--the one closest to the bottom of clipboard--and edit with him. When we're done, the student returns the clothespin to the storage spot so that it will be available when it's time to edit the next section.
Those who are waiting to be called self-edit, continue adding to the assignment, or read silently.
It has worked out really smoothly over the last year.
Laura Morford
Second grade
The Classical Academy
Tally Marks for Talkers
Teacher suggestion:
I have a wonderful group of 4th graders who, for the most part, are extremely well behaved. The only problem I have is that they are a bunch of Chatty Cathy's!
I found this idea a while back and I so wish I had known about it back in August. It would have saved me a lot of stress and frustration!
All I do is tape an index card vertically on the upper right hand corner of their desk every Monday.
The card is labeled like this:
If they talk during class I give them 1 tally mark next to the appropriate day. 1 tally is their warning. If I have to tell them to stop talking a second time they get another tally mark. 2 marks = 5 minutes out from recess, 3 marks = 10 minutes, 4 marks = 15 minutes, and 5 marks they lose their entire recess. If you make it to the end of the day with no tally marks you get a sticker beside the day of the week.
If you make it to the end of the week with nothing but stickers you get a small prize (pencils, erasers, etc.).
At first I was worried that 4th graders would think the whole sticker thing was babyish, but they love it! The best part is I don't have to stop my lesson to reprimand someone for talking; I just walk over and put a tally mark on their card and then keep going.
It may not work in every class but I love it!
Patricia B.
